Separable fastener



July 31, .1945. M. WINTER-HALTER 0,

SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed March 25, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet l EL-EI- 2/ Q J/lI-V Y Fla/2 FIG/5 7/ 4 A I H Patented July 31, 1945 Uh il fi STATES Pis'FEhiT SEPARABLE FASTENER Martin Winter-halter, Moi-cote, near Lugano, Switzerland Application March 25, 1943, Serial No. 486,463 In Switzerland March 30, 1942 6 Claims.

This invention relates to separable fasteners which can be made of metallic or non-metallic materials.

It is an object of the invention to provide a separable fastener having fastenerelements ca pable of being attached directly to the article which is to be provided with the fastener, without first clamping the elements to the usual fabric tapes by means of which the fastener stringers are formed.

According to the invention the fastener elements are provided with at least one connecting stud forming an extension of the element and by means of which the element is directly attached to the article to be provided with theseparable fastener. In order to enable the connection of the fastener elements to the article in correct and simple manner the elements are first strung on a carrier consisting of rigid material but which owing to its shape or feeble cross sectional area is rendered flexible, so as to obtain fastener stringers having the required flexibility for the operation of the usual slider producing engagement and disengagement of the cooperating elements. The carrier can preferably consist of a thermoplastic material, such as high molecular condensation products, polyamides and the like, in the shape of threads, wires or bands, on which the fastener elements are longitudinally spaced. Such carrier threads can be obtained by drawing the material nearly to its limit of expansion, so that the threads do not expand any more and the fastener elements fixed thereon always keep their correct spacing, while in transverse direction these threads are extremely flexible to allow an easy displacement of the slider along the stringers.

A. certain number of embodiments of separable fasteners according to the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of a. multiple operated or separable fastener according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragment of Fig. l drawn on a large scale.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of a modification.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-6 of' Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a front view of part of a stringer, the stringer being a modification of those shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 6 is a section view taken on line 6-6 of F g. 5.

Fig. 7 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 8 is a partial front view of another modifled stringer.

Fig. 9 is a partial front view of another modifled stringer.

Fig. 10 is a section taken along line iii-4t of Fi 9.

Fig. 11 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 12 is a partial front view of another modified stringer.

Fig. 13 is a partial front view of another modified stringer.

Fig. 14 is a. partial front view of another modilied stringer.

Fig. 15 is a partial front view of another modified stringer.

Fig. 16 is a section taken along line i6i5 of Fig. 15.

Fig. l? is a view similar to Fig. 16 of a modification of the fastener element shown in Fig. 16 prior to attachment of the fastening element to the carrier member. 7

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 1'? showing the fastener element attached to the carrier member.

Fig. 19 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 2G is a partial front view of another modified stringer.

Fig. 21 is a partial front view of another modifled stringer;

Fig. 22 is a plan view of a modified form of a fastener element.

Fig. 23 is a side elevation of Fig. 22

Fig. 24 is a plan view similar to Fig. 22 but showing the fastener element attached to a carrier member.

Fig. 25 is a plan view of a modified form of a fastener element.

Fig. 26 is a side elevation of Fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a plan view of a modified form of fastener element.

Fig. 28 is a side elevation of Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a plan view of several fastener elements which have been formed from a strip of material, the view being taken prior to separation of the individual elements.

Fig. 30 is a plan view similar to Fig. 29 of a modified form of fastener element.

Fig. 31 is a side elevation of Fig. 30.

Fig. 32 is a plan view similar to Fig. 29 of a modified form of fastener element.

Fig. 33 is a plan view of one of th individual fastener elements of Fig, 32 after the same has been attached to a carrier member and the fabric.

Fig. 34 is a side elevation of a modified form of fastener element showing two such elements interlocked.

Fig. 35 is a plan view of Fig. 34.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of Fig. 35.

Fig. 37 is a plan view of a modification of the fasteners shown in Fig. 35.

Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a part of Fig. 37.

Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a modification of the connecting studs shown in Figs. 36 and 38.

Fig. 40 is a side elevation of a modified form of fastener element.

Fig. 41 is a side elevation of another modification of the fastener element.

Fig. 42 is a side elevation of another modification of the fastener element.

Fig. 43 is a section on an enlarged scale taken along line 43-43 of Fig. 42.

Fig. 44 is a front view with part of the slider omitted of the complete assemble, this bein a modification of Fig. 1.

Fig. 45 is a fragment of Fig. 44 taken on a larger scale.

Fig. 46 is a section taken on line lee-4e of Fig. 45.

Fig. 4? is a horizontal section taken on line -41 of Fig. 45.

Fig. 48 is a view similar to Fig. 47 of a modification of the carrier member.

Fig. 49 is a view similar to Fig. 4.5 of a modification.

Fig. 50 is a section taken along the line tilt-E of Fig. 49.

Fig. 51 is a view similar to Figs. 47 and 48 of a modification of the carrier member.

Fig. 52 is a front view with part of the slider omitted of a portion of a complete assembly of a modification.

Fig. 53 is a fragment of Fig. 52 taken on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 54 is a section taken along line fi h-5d of Fig. 53.

Fig. 55 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 53 of a modification of the fastener element. shown in Fig. 53.

Fig. 56 is a sectional view taken along line 56-56 of Fi 55.

Fig. 5'7 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 58 is a sectional view taken along line 5868 of Fig. 5?.

Fig. 59 is a view similar to Fig. 58 of a modifica= tion of the fastener.

Fig. 60 is, a view similar to Fig. 58 of another modification.

Fig. 61 is a view similar to Fig. 58 of another modification.

Fig. 62 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 63 is a sectional view taken along line 63-63 of Fig. 62.

Fig. 64 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 65 is a sectional view taken along line 65-45 of Fig. 64.

Fig. 66 is a section taken along line BMW of Fig. 67.

Fig. 67 is a side elevation of Fig. 66 after the stud end has heenbent.

mg. 68 is a side elevation of Fig. 69 and is a modification of 66.

Fig. 69 is a section taken along line tQ-BS of Fig. 68.

Fig. '70 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig, '71 is a sectional view taken along line Ti -ll of Fig. '70.

Fig. '72 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. '73 is a sectional view taken along line 13-43 of Fig. '72.

Fig. '74 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. is a sectional view taken along line lo-75 of Fig. '74.

Fig. '76 is a side elevation of Fig. 75.

Fig. '77 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig; 78 is a sectional view taken along line it-78 of Fig. '77.

Fig. 79 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 80 is a sectional view taken along line to-liii of Fig. 79.

Fig. 81 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 32 is a sectional. View taken along line 32-82 of Fig. 81.

Fig. 83 is a plan view of the fastener shown in Fig. 82 prior to attachment to the carrier member.

Fig. 84 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 35 is a sectional view taken along line tii-t5 of Fig. 84.

Fig. 86 is a plan view or the fastener element 3: r so that is shown in Figs. 34 and 85.

Fig. 8'7 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 38 is a sectional View taken along line to -so of Fig. 8'7.

:39 is a partial front view of a. modified stringer.

Fig. Si) is a sectional view taken along line @iL-Eiii of Mg. 89.

Fig. 91 is a partial front view of a modified stringer.

Fig. 92 is a sectional view taken along line 9292 of Fig. 91.

Fig. 93 is a partial horizontal section taken on line it-53 of Fig. 92. the fabric and strip I being omitted.

Fig. 9 is a front view of a complete assembly with a part of the slider omitted for clarity.

Fig. 95 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 94 prior to attachment to the fabric.

Fig. $6 is a plan view of the same fastener element after attachment.

Fig. $7 is a plan view of a modified form 0! the fastener element.

Fig. 98 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 97 showing the same attached to a carrier member and prior to attachment to the fabric.

Fig. 99 is a plan view of a modified form 01' fastener element.

Fig. 100 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 99 after attachment to a carrier and the fabric.

Fig. 101 is a plan view of a fastener element of modified form.

Fig. 102 is a plan view 01' a mod fied fastener element.

Fig. 103 is a plan view of a modified fastener element.

Fig. ills is a plan view of a modified element.

Fig. 105 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 104 showing the same attached to a carrier element and'the fabric.

Fig. 106 is a plan view of a fastener element.

Fig. 107 is a side elevation of Fig. 106.

Fig. 108 is a view similar to Fig. 106 showing the fastener element attached to the fabric.

Fig. 109 is a plan view of a fastener element.

Fig. 110 is a plan view of a fastener element of Fig. 109 after attachment to a carrier member and the fabric.

Fig. 111 is a plan view of a fastener element.

Fig. 112 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 111 after attachment to a carrier member and the fabric. I

Fig. 113 isa plan view of a fastener element.

Fig. 114 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 113 after attachment to the fabric.

Fig. 115 is a plan view of a. fastener element. Fig. 116 is a plan view of the fastener element of Fig. 115 after attachment to the fabric.

Fig; 1 shows a portionof a separable fastener according to the invention having fastener elements which are directly attached to the edge portions along an opening of an article, for example of a piece of clothing which is to be provided with the fastener. Fig; 2 shows a portion of the fastener stringer of this fastener. The fastener elements I are provided at one end with the usual coupling projection z and the socket 3. At the end of the fastener elements opposed to that by which they engage one another each element is provided with a connecting stud 4 which serves for directly attaching the fastener element to the edge portion of a piece of clothing or any I other article 5 from fabric, leather etc. The cross sectional area of the connecting stud 4 is smaller than that of the fastener element I so that a shoulder 6 is formed between the element and the connecting stud. which shoulder serves to guide the usual slider I provided with a pull tab 8. The various fastener elements are spaced longitudinally on a carrier 9 of thread or wire shape. The material of this carrier is flexible but not expansible. For example the carrier can be formed from a thread or polyamide; also other synthetic products of the group of high molecular polycondensation products or other thermoplastic materials can be used. For example, the fastener elements are directly die-cast on the carrier or pressed upon the latter. They can consist of metal or of thermoplastic material,

for example of the same material as the carrier 9. The flexible fastener stringer thus formed by the carrier and by the fastener elements fixed t thereon is attached to the article 5 by means of the connecting studs 4 of the fastener elements. As shown, the stringer is placed with the connecting studs upon the edge portion of the article and then sewing stitches II; are passed over the studs to fix them to the article. The studs 4 are provided with an enlargement or head H at their ends, so that they can not be pulled out of the stitches II]. The resiliently flexible carrier 9 maintains the fastener elements at their correct mutual distance and the stringer is flexible in its longitudinal plane so that an easy engagement and disengagement of the cooperating elements and a smooth run of the slider is obtained.

In the example according to Figs. 3 and 4 the connecting studs 4 of the fastener elements I have a roof-shaped cross section. For sewing the stringer to the cloth 5 the stringer is placed on the cloth with the base of the connecting studs on the surface of the cloth and then the studs are attached to the cloth by means of a sewing machine, the stitches passing between the enlargements II and I2 of the studs. When the sewing needle arrives on top of a connecting stud it can slide downwardly the inclined surfaces I3 of the stud and does not brake.

In the example according to Figs. 5 and 6 the carrier of the fastener elements is formed by two threads l4 and I5 of synthetic material on which the fastener elements are die-cast. This modification is advantageous for greater models of fasteners. The thread I4 is of circular cross section and the thread I5 of oval cross section; obviously the cross sectional area of these threads can have any other shape.

In the example according to Fig. 7 the coin necting studs 4 are longer than those shown in the previous examples. Besides the carrier thread 9 traversing the fastener elements I, the connecting studs 4 are also traversed byparallel threads IB'and I1. All threads are flexible so as to impart'the required flexibility to the stringer.

According to Fig. 8 the connecting stud of the fastener elements I is composed of a wider portion I8 situated adjacent the fastener element I and of a narrower'end portion I9. The wider portion I8 is traversed b two carrier threads 20, whilethe narrower portion I9 of the studs serves to attach the stringer to the article by means of stitches passing over this portion.

In Figs. 9 and 10 the thread or wire 2| forming the carrier of the fastener elements is undulated. This thread can be formed from a high molecular polyconden'sation product or from a steel wire.

According to Fig. 11 the carrier of the fastener elements I is formed by curved webs 22 which are die-cast in one piece with the fastener elements I and the connecting studs 4. y

In the example according to Fig. 12 the flexible carrier 23 of the fastener elements I is formed as strip and traverses the wider portion IB of the connecting studs.

In Fig. 13 the fastener elements I and the wider portions I8 of the connecting studs are diecast on an undulated wire 24 and on a thread 9. Both threads or wires 9 and 24 can consist of polyarnide or the thread 24 can also consist of steel.

In Fig. 14 the carrier of the fastener elements I is formed by two curved webs 25 extending between the wider portions I3 of the connecting studs. The complete stringer formed by the fastener elements. the connecting studs and the webs is cast in a single piece.

In the example according to Figs. 15 and 16 the carrier of the fastener elements I is formed by two parallel webs 2B which are cast in a single piece with the wider portion I8 of the connecting studs of the fastener elements. The fastener elements could also be die-cast on a band-shaped carrier in which flexible webs 25 are formed by providing recesses 2?. carrier 26 between the connecting studs as represented; the carrier could also be arranged between successive fastener elements I.

In the example according to Figs. 1'7 and 18 the fastener element I is provided at one side with a groove 28 'into'which the carrier thread 9 can be inserted. Laterally of the groove 28 the material of the fastener elements forms projections 29 which, after insertion of the thread into the groove, are bent or pressed inwardly in order to close the groove and to press the fastener element firmly onthe thread. The groove 28 could also be provided on the'connecting stud 4. The fas- Instead of disposing the tener element with the connecting stud in this example can be cast or punched out: from sheet material. If desired, in the example according to Figs. 9, and 13, the undulated thread or wire 21 or 24 could also beinserted in a corresponding groove in the fastener element or in the connecting stud. In this case the undulated or zigzagshaped'carrier and the fastener elements can be produced. independently one from the other, and the carrier can be subsequently inserted into the roove of the elements while in the other case the fastener elements must be die-cast on the carrier.

In the example according to Fig. 19 the fastener elements I are fixed to a carrier 9 and a further thread traverses the enlarged rear end of the connecting studs 4. The fastener elements and connecting studs are either die-cast on the threads 3. and 30, or the threads are subsequently inserted through corresponding holes in these connecting studs 4 and the webs 3| and 32 are cast in a single piece. One or both webs 3| and 32 could also be formed by threads or strips inserted through openings or grooves of any desired cross section provided in the connecting studs.

In the examples according to Figs. 22 to 28 the fastener element l is provided with a central opening 33 which is obtained when producing the fastener elements by casting or by punching. On the level of the opening 33 opposite sides of the fastener element are provided with bulged portions 34. The fastener elements are threaded by means of their opening 33 to a string of polyamide or the like, and correctly spaced thereon and afterwards pressure is applied to the bulged portions of the elements so that the side faces of the elementsbecome flat as shown in Fig. 24 and the thread is fixed by pressure in the opening 33. In order to attach the stringer to a piece of clothing or any other article the connecting studs 4 are sewn to the article. In order to prevent a sliding movement of the attached fastener elements the connecting studs 4 are formed with enlargements 36 or 37 between which the sewing stitches pass above the studs. In Figs. 27 and 28 the connectin stud is formed with a wider portion I8 and with a narrower portion [9 having a head 38 at its end.

Figs. 29 to 33 show fastener elements provided with connecting studs according to the invention and which are obtained by punching the elements out of sheet material. According to Fig. 29 the connecting studs 4 are disposed according to the median axis of the fastener eelments I while according to Fig. 30 the connecting studs 4 are disposed laterally on the fastenerelements l. According to Fig. 32 the fastener elements are punched out from a strip of sheet material in such manner that one fastener element l' belongs to one stringer of a cooperating pair of separable fastener stringers while the next following fastener element I" belongs to the second stringer of the pair. The openings 33 for the insertion of the carrier thread are punched out simultaneously with the fastener elements. Fig. 33 shows the fastener element fixed on the carrier thread 35,. by means of pressure applied to opposed sides of the element at the height of the carrier.

Figs. 34 to 39 show particular constructions of connecting studs for the fastener elements. The connecting stud 4 is of triangular cross section, one face 39: of the stud extending at right angles to the piece of cloth to which the stud is to be fixed, while the face 40 is inclined relatively to the surface of the cloth; In the example according to Figs. 34 to 36 the studs 4 are provided on the side of the inclined surface 40 with two spaced enlargements 4| between which can pass the sewing stitches for attaching the fastener element to an article. The upper side of the enlargements 4| is provided with a plane face 42 extending flush with the upper edge of the connecting stud and serving to guide the pressure foot of the sewing machine which is used to sew the connecting studs to an article 5.

In the example according to Figs. 37 and 38 the enlargements 43 project laterally from the inclined surface 40 and form again an upper plane face 42.

According to Fig. 39 the enlargements 44 project from the vertical face 39 of the studs and also form an upper plane face 44 flush with the upper edge of the stud.

According to Fig. 40 the connecting studs 4 of the fastener elements I are provided with indented edges 45. The indentations at opposite edges are longitudinally displaced one relatively to the other so that the cross sectional area of the stud does not become too weak. In Fig. 41 the opposite edges of the connecting stud 4 are undulated and in Fig. 42 the edges have zigzag-shape. As shown in Fig. 43 the upper side of the connecting studs 4 is formed with inclined surfaces 49 extending also over the enlarged end 46 of the studs. Instead of forming both longitudinal edges of the connecting studs as shown in Figs. 40 to 42, only one of the edges could be provided with teeth or indentations, while the other edge could be limited by a straight line.

In the example according to Figs. 44 to 4'7 the fastener elements are provided with the usual coupling projection 8i and with the socket 82. The-fastener elements are provided with a connecting stud 83 by means of which the elements are attached to a piece of clothing or other article 84. 85 represent the usual slider by means of which the cooperating stringers are engaged and disengaged.

The connecting studs 83 are provided with a portion 86 of reduced cross section so as to form a circular groove on the connecting studs, into which the band-shaped carrier of the elements is inserted. The carrier according to Fig. 47 is formed by two separate strips 81 and 88 which are provided with recesses 89 and 89 which, when the two strips are joined, form openings in the carrier to receive the reduced portions 86 of the connecting studs. The studs are engaged with their portions 86 into the recesses of one of the strips 81 or 83 before the two strips are joined and then the second strip is joined to the first one and the two strips are fixed together by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding. The fastener elements 80 are thus firmly connected with the carrier and a stringer isformed whichcan be directly attached to a piece of cloth or leather'etc. In the represented example the stringer is attached to the cloth by sewing, the stitches passing over a. reduced portion of the connecting studs which are provided with a, head 9| at their end so that they cannot be pulled out of the stitches.

The studs 83 are provided with a shoulder 92 against which abuts the edge of the article to which the stringer is attached.

The carrier 81, 88 is formed of rigid material of such cross sectional area that it is flexible in the plane of the stringer The carrier can be made of thermoplastic material, particularly of high molecular condensation products, such as polyamide and the like. The fastener elements 80 can be made of metal, for instance of. die-cast zink or also of thermoplastic material.

In the modification according to Fig. 48 the carrier of the fastener elements is formed by a wider strip 93 and by narrower strip 94. The wider strip 93 is provided with recesses 95 into which the reduced portions 86 of the connecting studs are inserted. After insertion of these portions into the recesses 95, the narrower strip 94 is joined to the strip 93 and firmly connected with this strip so that the fastener elements are permanently secured to the carrier.

In the example according to Figs. 49 to 51 the fastener elements 80 are carried by a strip 96 which is provided with openings :91 through which the studs 98 are inserted. I

As shown in Fig. 49 the studs 98 are inserted through the holes of the carrier and then a portion of the material of the studs is riveted at the rear side of the carrier. The studs could be secured to the carrier also by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding. The fastener stringer can then be attached to thearticle 84 by sewing, of the connecting studs 98, the stitches passing over a portion 90 of reduced width.

In the example according to Figs. 52, 53 and 54 the fastener is formed by two stringers IOI connected to each other by the usual slider I03. Each stringer comprises fastener elements I04 provided with a coupling projection I05 and a socket I06. The fastener elements are longitudinally spaced on a flexible carrier I01 and each element I04 is provided with a connecting stud I08 having a pointed end I09. In proximity of the end of the stud this latter is pierced by an opening H0.

The fastener elements I04 can consist of metal or of thermoplastic material. The carrier I01 is formed by a thread or wire of any desired cross section. Preferably the carrier is formed by polyamide or any similar synthetic product. The carrier thread is inserted through corresponding openings in the fastener elements I04 and elements are fixed to the carrier by means of an adhesive or by pressure. Alternatively, the fastener elements can be directly cast on the thread I01,

For attaching the fastener stringers IN to an article III, for instance to a piece of cloth, the

tape. Afterwards this tape can be sewn in ordinary manner to a piece of cloth.

The example according to Figs. 55 and 56 is similar to that represented in Figs. 52 to 54, only the shape of the connecting studs I08 is slightly modified. I V

In-the example according to Figs. 57 and 58 the ends of the connecting studs I00 of the fastener elements I04 are slit so that tongues H5 are formed, which can be stuck through the cloth III for attaching the stringer to the cloth and afterwards these tongues can be bent down on the cloth so as to prevent removal of the studs from the cloth. In this case no locking thread H2 is required for attaching the stringer to the cloth.

In Fig. 59 the pointed end of the connecting stud Il'l is bent at right angles and is stuck through a seam III of the cloth. The locking thread H2 is inserted through holes provided at a'rear end of the connecting studs and prevents removal of the stringer from the seam III.

In Fig. 60 the end portion of the connecting stud I88 of the fastener element I04 is provided with small prongs I I8. This end portion is stuck through the edge of the cloth and after forming a seam I I9 the small prongs I I8 prevent the connecting studs from being pulled out of the seam. In Fig. 61 the connecting stud H8 is provided with hooks I20 which prevent the studs from being pulled out of the seam.

In the example according to Figs. 62 and 63 the originally pointed ends of the connecting studs I08 are stuck through the article III and then riveted at the rear side of the article, so that the materialof the article is maintained between the rivet head I2I and the shoulder H4 on the connecting studs I08.

In Figs. 64 and 65 the pointed end of the connecting studs I08 is stuck through the cloth III pointed end I09 of each connecting stud is stuck through the cloth in proximity of one edge thereof until the shoulders I I4 of the connecting stud abut against a cloth and then a thread H2 is inserted through the holes H0 in the ends of the connecting studs projecting on the rear side of the cloth. At both ends of the stringer the thread I I2 is fixed in any convenient manner to the cloth or to the stringer so as to lock the thread in the holes H0. The edge portion of the cloth is now folded down and by means of stitches I I3 a seam is formed. The ends of the connecting studs are now locked in this seam and a firm and a reliable connecting of the fastener stringer with the article III is obtained. It is naturally also possible to attach the fastener stringer to an intermediary tape by sticking the ends I09 through the tape and locking them in the described manner on the and through a washer I22 and then riveted. Instead of a single washer for each connecting stud, a common washer strip I23 can be used for several or all connecting studs of a stringer. The connecting stud I08 is provided with a shoulder H4 bearing against the surface of the cloth III and with a shoulder I24 bearing against the washer I22.

While in the examples according to Figs. 52 to 55 the connecting studs I08 are situated in the plane. of the stringer, Figs. 66 to 69 show a fastener element in which the connecting stud I25 extends transversely to the plane of stringer. The pointed end of theconnecting stud is stuck through the edge portion of an article III and as shown in Fig. 66 a locking thread H2 is inserted through holes provided in the ends of the connecting studs. According to Fig. 6'7 the connecting stud is fixed to the cloth III by bending down the end I26 of the stud projecting at the rear side of the cloth. According to Figs. 68 and 69-the end ofthe connecting stud stuck through the cloth III is slit and forms two tongues I21 which can be bent down in opposite directions to attach the connecting stud to the cloth. The extension- I28 of the fastener elements I04 serves to guide the slider.

- In Figs. 70 and 71 the connecting studs I28 are inserted through openingsltli in .the carrier I59 of a type shown in Fig. 51 and fixed by riveting at IGI to' the carrier. For attaching the stringer to an article III the pointed end of the connecting stud is stuck through the article and locked at the rear side of the article by means of a. thread I2 as previously described. v

In the example according to Figs. 72 and .73 the connecting studs I62 of the fastener elements I04 are provided with a portion I68 of reduced cross section which serves for securing the fastener elements to a carrier according toFigs. 4'7 or 48. This carrier is formed by two separate strips 81 and 88 forming between themselves openings to receive'the reduced portion I 83 of the connecting studs. As previously described, the connecting studs are placed in the recesses of one of the strips 81 or 88 and then the two strips are joined to each other and firmly connected by means of an adhesive or by soldering or welding. For attaching the stringer to an article I I I the pointed ends of the connecting studs I62 are stuck through the article and locked thereon by means of a thread I I2 inserted through openings. in the connecting studs.

In the example according to Figs. '74 to '75 a socalled covered fastener is represented in which the cloth I II is used to hide the fastener members from view. For this purpose a fold I11 is formed in the cloth along an edge portion thereof and a connecting stud I18 provided laterally on the fastener members I04 is stuck through both branches of the fold I11. The end of the connecting stud projecting on the lower side of the fold'is locked to the fold by means of a thread I I2 inserted through an opening in the studs.

In the example according to Figs. '17 and 78 the carrier I84 is formed by a drawn thread of polyamide of rectangular cross section. The fastener elements I04 are made in a single piece with the connecting studs which form extensions of the fastener element; The studs are formed by a portion I19 of reduced cross section joining the fastener element, of aconical collar I88 followed by a reduced portion I BI and by an end cone I82 having a laterally projecting base I83. In order to attach the fastener'elements I04 to the carrier, the studs are stuck through the carrier which may be provided with corresponding holes for this purpose. The material of the carrier is yieldable so that after passing the cone I82 and the collar I80 through openings of smaller diameter in the carrier, the material of the latter contracts about the reduced portion I19 of the studs and the fastener elements cannot be removed any more from the carrier I84, which is enclosed between the rear endface of the fastener elements I04 and the larger face of the frusto-conical collars I80. For attaching the so formed stringer to an article of cloth or other material, the cone-shaped ends I82 are stuck through the article I II and. if desired also through a washer strip. I85 of polyamide or the like A seam I I9 can then be formed to enclose the cones I82, whereafter the studs are prevented from being pulled out of the article by the base I83 of the cones bearing against the washer strip I85.

In the example according to Figs. 79 and 80 the connecting studs of the fastener elements I04 are similar to those represented in Figs. '77 and '78, only the cone-shaped end I82 is replaced by a pointed hook-shaped end I86. The fastener elements I 04 are fixed to the carrier I84 by sticking the studs through holes in the carrier I84 whereafter the conical collar I80 prevents a removal of the carrier, while attaching of the stringer to article III is obtained in the same manner as describedfwith respect to Figs. 77 and 78.

In the modification according to Figs. 81 to 83 the connecting stud I81 has a hook-shaped pointed end forming a retaining surface I89 and a reduced portion I88. For attaehing the fasnoses 206 of the fastener elements.

tenerelements I 04 to the carrier I90 which is preferably formed by a thread; of polyamide, the fastener elements are provided with an open slot I9I (Fig. 83) into which the carrier thread is inserted. After insertion of the thread, an extension I92 of the fastener element is bent down upon the thread as shown in Fig. 82, the thread being thus pressed together and the fastener element firmly seated thereon. The surface portion I93 of the fastener element serves as guide for the usual slider operating the stringers. In order to attachthe stringer to a piece of cloth, the studs I81 are stuck through thecloth and through a washer strip I against which the retaining surface I 89 is bearing to prevent removal of the stringer from the 'cloth III.

In Figs. 84 to 86 the connecting stud I93 formed as extension of the fastener element I04 is stuck through the carrier I94 which penetrates into recesses I95 of the fastener element. The connecting stud is provided with a reduced portion I96 forming retaining surfaces I91 which bear against a washer strip I95 after the stud has been stuck through the cloth I I I and through the washer strip.

In the example according to Figs. 8'7 and 88 the carrier of the fastener elements I04 is formed by two distinct threads or wires I98 and I99 one of which is of circular and the other of rectangular cross section; the cross sectional area, however, could also be otherwise. The two threads I 98 and I 99 can be passed through corresponding holes in the fastener elements I04 which are secured in any convenient manner on the threads, for example by an adhesive, by pressing or soldering, or by die casting the elements on the threads,

or by casting the threads and the fastener element in a single piece, in which case the threads I98 and I99 form Webs between successive fastener elements. The connecting studs I08 are provided with a pointed end I09 and with an opening receiving a locking thread II2 after the ends of the studs'have been stuck through the article III. Y

As represented in Figs. 89 and the fastener elements I04 are provided with a laterally open slot before they are fixed to the carrier I01.

This latter is inserted into the slot and then an extension 20I originally provided on the fastener element is bent down upon the carrier which is thus firmly clamped in the slot. The connecting stud 202- is formedas extension of the fastener element and provided with a hookshaped end 203- forming a retaining surface 204. In order to attach'the stringer to a piece of cloth III, the studs are stuck through the cloth and through a washer strip I85 of yielding material until the shoulder 205 of the stud abuts against the outer surface of the cloth. The retaining surface 204 bearing against the washer strip I85 'prevents the'studs from being pulled off the cloth. I

The fastener stringer represented in Figs. 91 to 93 is similar to the example just described. The flexible carrier I01 is inserted into a lateral slot inthe fastener elements I04 and is clamped therein by means of' two originally projecting The end portion 203. of the connecting studs 202 is provided at opposite, sides with two axially displaced retaining noses 20,1 and "20 8.. The. two noses are also laterally displaced ascan be seen from Fig. 93v representing a cross section through; a stud. In order to attach-the stringer toja piece carrier by pressure.

of cloth the end 203 of the stud is stuck with both retaining noses 20! and 208 through the cloth and through a washer strip I85 until the shoulder 205 of the stud abuts against the cloth. The upper retaining nose 201 then bears against the washer strip I85 and prevents the stringer from being pulled oiT. the cloth I.

In the example according to Figs. 94 to 96 the fastener elements I .are provided with the coupling projection 2 and with the socket 3. Atthe end of the fastener element opposite to the coupling projection they are provided with a connecting stud 4 having two free end portions 50 and 5|, which, as shown in Fig. 95, are spread apart before the fastener element is attached to a piece of cloth or other article 52. The two end portions 50 and 5| are provided on their sides facing each other with hooks 53 and 54. The fastener elements I are firmly secured to a carrier of wire, thread or band shape. The carrier 9 is again formed of a non-expansible but resiliently flexible material, as for example polyamide, The fastener elements I are directly die-cast on a carrier 9. They could also be secured to the The fastener elements can be made from metal or from thermoplastic material. For attaching a fastener stringer to an article 52, the edge of the article is introduced between the spread apart end portions 50 and 5| of the connecting studs as showninFig. 95 and then both end portions are pressed towards each other by means .of any suitable instrument, so that the hooks 53 and 54 penetrate into the inaterial of the article 52 and produce a firm connection of the stringer with the article. The two hooks 53 and 54 of the end portions 50 and 5| are axially displaced so that they do not prevent each other from penetrating into the material. The width of the connecting stud 4 is smaller than that of the fastener element so that shoulders 6 are formed between the connecting stud and the fastener element for guiding the slider of the fastener.

In the example according to Figs. 97 and 98 the carrier 9 is inserted into a groove 55 provided in the lower portion of the fastener element laterally of the connecting stud 4 and then the projection 56 on the fastener element is-bent towards the carrier 9 and pressed against the latter so as to ensure a firm connection of the fastener element with the carrier. The attachment of the fastener elements on the article 52 which is to be provided with the fastener is effected in the same manner as in the example according to Figs. 94 to 96, by means of the end portions 50 and 5| of the connecting studs 4. Guiding of the slider is obtained by means of shoulder surfaces 6 on both sides of the connecting stud 4.

In the modification according to Figs. 99 and 100 a groove 55 is provided in the central portion of the fastener element, while the connecting stud 4 is disposed on one side of the element. The carrier thread 9 placed in the groove 55 is fixed to the fastener element by clamping the projection 56 down on the carrier. A guiding surface 6 for the slider is disposed on one side of the fastener element. The connecting stud 4 is again provided with two free end portions 59 and 5| which are clamped towards each other for attaching the stringer formed by the fastener elements and the carrier 9 to the article 52, whereby the hooks 53 and 54 penetrate into the material of the article.

The fastener element shown in Fig. 101 is attached to the carrier '9 by having the carrier inserted'into a groove provided in the connecting stud 4 and fixed therein by pressing the material of the stud towards the carrier. The connecting stud is again provided with two free end portions 50 and 5| for attaching the fastener element to the article to be provided with the fastener.

In Fig. 102 the connecting stud is disposed laterally on the fastener element and the carrier 9 is clamped in a groove of the connecting stud. A guiding surface'B is provided on the fastener element for the operating slider of the fastener.

The modification shown in Fig. 103 is similar to that shownin Fig. 102 with the exception that the freetend portions 50 and 5| of the connecting studs are each provided with two prongsor hooks 53 and 54.

In the example according to Figs. 104 and 105 the connecting stud 4 of the head portion of the fastener element is provided with a laterally open groove 57 for the carrier thread 9. The connecting stud is provided on one side of the head portion I, while on the other side of this portion a. guide'surface 6 for the slider is provided. Above and below the groove 5! the material of the connecting stud forms projecting noses.

58 which are pressed upon the carrier 9 after this latter isplaced in the groove, so as to firmly lock the fastener element on the carrier. For attaching the fastener element to an article 52 the connecting stud 4 is provided with two free end portions 50 and 5| which are clamped together after the edge portion of the article has been inserted between them.

In the example according to Figs. 106, 107 and 108 the carrier 9 of the fastener elements is secured in a groove in the head portion ofthe element, laterally of the connecting stud 4. This latteris provided with two free end portions 59 and 60 having pointed ends 6| and 62 which are displaced relatively to each other in the plane of the stringer. For attaching the stringer on an article the edge portion of this latter is introduced between the end portions 59 and as which are then clamped towards each other so that the pointed ends BI and 52 traverse the material of the article.

The fastener element represented in Figs. 109 and 110 is provided with a groove 51 in the connecting stud 4 for insertion of the carrier thread 9 which is clamped in the groove by pressing the two projections 58 0f the material of the connecting stud against the carrier. The stud 4 is provided with two end portions 63 and 64 which are spread apart before the fastener element is attached to an article. The end portion 63 is provided with small prongs 65, and the end portion 64 with corresponding conical holes 66. For attaching the fastener element to the article, an edge portion of this latter is introduced between the two end portions 63 and 64 which are then pressed together so that the prongs 65 penetrate through the material of the article and into the holes 56 of the end portion 64, where they are then riveted as shown in Fig. 110.

In the example according to Figs. 111 and 112 the carrier 9 is secured in a groove 51 of the fastener element by pressing the projections 58 over the carrier inserted in the groove. The connecting stud is provided with two free end portions 61 and 68, of which the portion 61 has a hook-shaped pointed end 69, while the portion 68 is provided with a recess 10. In order to attachv the fastener element to an article 52 an edge portion of the article is introduced bet'ween the examples according toFigs. 109 to 112, it is not necessary that both end portions of the connecting studs are spreadapart before introducing an edge portion of the article to be provided with the fastener between the two end portions. One of the end portions 63 and 64, or 61' and 68 could originally extend parallelly with the vertical axis through the fastener element, andafter placing this end portion on the edge of the article, the other end portion can be closed upon the first one.

In the modification according to Figs. 113 and 114 the fastener element is secured to a carrier 9 inserted into a groove provided in the element. The connecting stud 4 is provided with two free end portions 13 and. 14. The end portion. 13: forms an extension of the connecting stud 4' and is directed according to. the vertical axis of the fastener element I, while the end portion 1'4- ls spread laterally.

Both end portions are provided with hookshaped ends 15'. For attaching the fastener element to an article such as a piece of cloth 52 the end portion 13 is stuck through the edge portion f the cloth and this edge portion is then folded down and sewn to forma' seam as shown in Fig. 114. The hooks 15 0f the portion 13 now prevent the stud'frombeing pulledoffi the article 52.v The end portion N is then closed down towards the portion 13 so that a-po'rtion of the seam of the cloth is clamped between the two end portions of the connecting stud;

The fastener element shown in- Figs. 115 and 116 is provided with a connecting stud 4 having three end portions I3, 14 and I4. For a'ttaeh ing this fastener element to a piece of clothb'r other material 52 the central portion 13 is stuck through the cloth and the edge portion of the cloth is folded down to form a seam. The two lateral end portions 14 and 14' are then bent towards the central portion 13, so that both branches of the seam are clamped between two end portions of the connecting stud 4.

While I have shown and described a number of embodiments which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that variations may be made in the configuration and combination of the several parts without departing from the spirit of the invention. or the scope of the appended claims.

I- claim:

1. A stringer forming one complementary part of a multiple operated fastener, said stringer comprising a row of fastener elements each having a head portion formed with interlocking means thereon, each fastener element having an elongated rigid stud extending from the head portion, each stud being pointed to provide fabric penetrating means, the stud also having fabric engaging and retaining means to prevent withdrawal after penetrating a fabric, said row of fastener elements being supported upon a carrier member which is resiliently bendable but substantially non-extensible.

2. A stringer according to claim 1 in which the carrier member extends through each of said fastener elements at a point located between the interlocking means and the stud.

3. A stringer according to claim 1 in which each of the fastener elements has a slider guide surface extending in a plane at right angles'to the plane of said stud.

4. A stringer according to claim 1 in which the retaining means comprises a shouldered surface spaced inwardly from the pointed end on said stud.

5. A stringer according to claim'l in which the carrier member is of wire-like construction and relatively small in transverse cross section when compared with the transverse dimensions of the fastener element.

6. A stringer according. to claim 1 in which the carrier member extends through a notch in the'fastener element head, said fastener element being clamped to said carrier member whereby each fastener is maintained in a fixed position on the carrier element.

MARTIN WIN'IERHALTER. 

